DE102017001828B3 - Transport device for transporting objects from workstation to workstation of a production facility and production facility for the production of products with such a transportation facility - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport device for transporting objects from workstation to workstation of a production facility. Moreover, the invention relates to a production plant for the production of products, in particular filled with a medical product containers. The transport device according to the invention has a fixed assembly 2, a rotatable about an axis of rotation 4 in successive work stages slide 3, a plurality of circumferentially distributed relative to the slide on a circular path 8kreis movable object support elements 6, which coupling elements 14 are assigned, each only a first switching position or a second switching position can take. In the first switching position, the coupling element 14 with the stationary assembly 2 in engagement and with the rotatable slide 3 is disengaged, so that the coupling element associated with the object carrier element remains at a workstation, while in the second switching position, the coupling element 14 with the stationary assembly 2 is disengaged and is engaged with the rotatable slide 3 so that the object carrier element associated with the coupling element is moved from workstation to workstation.

Description

The invention relates to a transport device for transporting objects from workstation to workstation of a production plant with a stationary assembly, a rotatable about a rotation axis in successive work stages slide, a plurality of circumferentially distributed relative to the slide on a circular path movable object support elements for storage of a or more objects and a drive unit for driving the slide. Moreover, the invention relates to a production plant for the production of products, in particular filled with a medical product containers.

In production plants for the production of products, rotary tables are used for the transport of the products from workstation to workstation, which are also referred to as rotary tables or rotary indexing tables. The known rotary indexing tables have a circular slide, which is rotatable about a vertical axis. The slide is driven by a drive unit. The slide rotates clockwise or counterclockwise during production in individual work cycles.

The workstations are arranged circumferentially distributed around the slide. The objects to be processed are distributed circumferentially on the slide. By rotating the slide, the objects can be transported from workstation to workstation. The workstations each execute a work process on the objects, which may include one or more production steps. The objects may be disposed on the slide in object support members that receive one or more objects. The objects can be products to be produced (goods) or workpieces or test objects to be processed.

The known rotary indexing tables have slides on which the object-carrier elements are arranged immovable relative to each other. They are fixed at predetermined intervals distributed circumferentially on the slide. In conjunction with the fixed workstations, the object support elements are brought into the corresponding position relative to the respective workstation solely by the rotation of the slide. There, the object support elements inevitably remain until the workstation has performed the work process.

A production facility generally has workstations with different process times. The stepwise rotation of the slide is essentially determined by the duration of the longest process. Due to the stoppage of the slide during a work process with a long process time, the predetermined distances of the object support elements and the stepwise rotation of the slide by a predetermined angle of rotation also for the work processes with short process times for processing each object each have their own workstation required. However, these workstations are used only briefly, so that the utilization of these workstations is low. This is associated with high investment and operating costs and low efficiency. In addition, the probability of failure of the production plant increases with the number of workstations. Such production facilities are characterized by high complexity and lack of accessibility of the components.

If the production method involves work processes with different process times, it is advantageous for the reasons mentioned above to use a transport device in which the object carrier and the object carrier elements do not constitute a rigid arrangement, so that some object carrier elements can remain at workstations with a long process time While other object-carrier elements transported from workstation to workstation and the respective work processes can be performed.

In the control of a transport device there is generally the problem that the position of the individual object carrier elements with respect to the fixed workstations must be known in order to be able to ensure a correct allocation of the object carrier elements and the workstations. The known rotary indexing tables therefore have a rotary encoder which determines the rotational position of the turntable. If the rotational position of the slide is known, it is possible to deduce the position of the object carrier elements on the slide. However, this requires that the object carrier elements are firmly connected to the slide in a predetermined arrangement. Otherwise, the determination of the rotational position of the slide would not be sufficient.

The operation of a transport device requires an initialization, in which the individual components are moved to a defined basic position. In practice, it is important that the Transport device even after an accident, such as a power failure or an emergency stop, the operation can quickly resume.

From the DE 10 2009 027 462 A1 a device for handling objects is known, which has a handling device to receive the objects from a staging area, and has a transfer device for transferring the objects to a processing station. The handling device takes in each case a certain number of objects by means of a slide simultaneously. The transfer device has a plurality of carrier elements for the objects taken over by the handling device. The movement sequence of each carrier element is individually controllable at the transfer device.

The invention has for its object to provide a transport device for transporting objects from workstation to workstation of a production plant, which has a relatively simple structure and allows a flexible design of the production process. Another object of the invention is to provide a production line for the production of products, which has a relatively simple structure and allows a flexible design of the production process.

The solution of these objects is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The transport device according to the invention for transporting objects from workstation to workstation of a production facility has a fixed assembly, a slide rotatable about successive workstations about a rotation axis and a plurality of circumferentially distributed relative to the slide on a circular path movable object support elements for filing one or several objects and a drive unit for driving the slide.

Under the stationary assembly of the stationary part of the transport device is understood. The fixed assembly forms the stator and the slide the rotor with drive of the transport device. Under object support elements all elements are understood on which one or more objects can be stored or arranged. The objects may be loose on the object support elements or fixed on the object support elements.

The transport device according to the invention is characterized in that the object carrier elements are guided displaceably on a circular path relative to the slide. Consequently, the slide together with the object support elements does not constitute a rigid arrangement. The object support elements can be moved freely relative to the slide and do not have their own drives. To drive the slide a drive unit is provided. The drive unit may be, for example, an electric motor drive.

In addition, the transport device according to the invention is characterized in that the object-carrier elements are associated with coupling elements which are rotated together with the object-carrier elements. The coupling elements can each occupy only a first switching position or a second switching position. In the first switching position, the coupling element with the stationary assembly in engagement and with the rotatable slide out of engagement, so that the coupling element associated with the object carrier element remains at a workstation, while in the second switching position, the coupling element with the stationary assembly is disengaged and with the rotatable slide is engaged, so that the coupling element associated with the object-carrier element is moved from workstation to workstation.

The actuation of the coupling elements allows movement of an object support member for transporting objects to a workstation with a short process time while another object support member remains at a workstation with a long process time. By controlling the drive unit of the slide and the actuation of the coupling elements, the object support elements are positioned with the objects in the desired processing position relative to the respective workstation and can be moved from one workstation to another workstation.

Since the object carrier elements do not have their own drives, the structure of the transport device is simplified. The transport device can be realized with conventional modules. The use of standard machine parts makes the transport device low maintenance. Individual waiting zones can be set up for individual objects, and additional processes, such as the cleaning of objects, can be easily integrated into the production process.

In the transport device according to the invention, only one coupling element is provided both for the coupling of a slide element to the slide and the coupling of the slide element to the stationary assembly, which can occupy only two defined switching positions, ie the coupling of the slide element to the Slide or stationary assembly. Even if in this context of only one coupling element is mentioned, including coupling elements are understood that may consist of several items.

A preferred embodiment provides that for the coupling or decoupling of the object carrier elements to or from the stationary assembly a predetermined number of circumferentially distributed recesses are provided on the stationary assembly and for coupling or decoupling of the object-carrier elements or from the rotatable slide a predetermined number of recesses are provided on the slide. The number of recesses of the fixed assembly may correspond to the number of recesses of the slide, wherein the number of recesses of the stationary assembly or of the slide defines the number of positions that the object support member can assume.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element has a first engagement element which engages in one of the recesses of the stationary assembly in the first switching position, and the coupling element has a second engagement element which engages in one of the recesses of the object carrier in the second switching position. The first and second engagement element are firmly connected to each other, so that the two engagement elements can be moved with only one actuator in the two positions.

A particularly preferred embodiment provides that the recesses of the stationary assembly radially inwardly facing openings and the recesses of the slide radially outwardly facing openings, wherein the first and second engagement element are guided in a radial direction so displaceable that in the first switching position the first engagement element engages in one of the recesses of the stationary assembly and in the second switching position the second engagement element engages in one of the recesses of the object carrier. The recesses may be formed differently, for example, have a rectangular or circular cross-section. They can also be open on other sites. The switching can take place in this embodiment in that the coupling element is pushed forward or backward by the actuator on a horizontal axis. This embodiment has a particularly simple structure. However, it is also possible in principle that the engagement elements engage in upwardly or downwardly open recesses from above or below.

The coupling elements are preferably guided longitudinally displaceable on guide elements, wherein the actuators for moving the coupling elements are piston / cylinder arrangements, which can be acted upon by a pressure medium medium, in particular compressed air, so that the coupling elements between the first and second switching position are movable. But it is also an electromagnetic actuator possible. The pressure medium supply or electrical power supply can be effected via pressure lines or electrical lines, which are guided via a rotary feedthrough to a pressure medium source or current source.

In one embodiment, which is characterized by a particularly simple structure, the piston / cylinder assemblies are double-acting piston / cylinder assemblies with two opposite piston surfaces, which are acted upon by a pressure fluid medium, so that the coupling element can be moved in the opposite directions ,

The object-carrier elements are guided freely movable relative to the slide in a guideway, so that they can be held in relation to a stationary reference system. The guideway can be designed differently. The only decisive factor is that the object carrier elements can move on the circular path.

For receiving the objects, the object carrier elements preferably have receiving elements into which or on which the objects can be placed or placed. As a result, the objects are sufficiently fixed to the object-carrier elements.

In order to be able to displace the object carrier elements relative to the object carrier, in one embodiment, an object carrier element is not arranged on a section of the circular path and an object carrier element is arranged on the other sections of the circular path. But it is also possible that no object-carrier elements are arranged on several sections of the circular path.

The coupling elements, each of which can occupy only one of the two switching positions, have the advantage that an operating state in which an object carrier element engages both with the slide and with the stationary assembly can not occur. This reduces the risk of a collision.

Another advantage is that a loss of segment coupling can not occur because only one of the two switching positions can be taken. As a result, the object support is always in a defined position with respect to a fixed reference system or the workstations that surround the object support members. If the object support element were not fixed by the coupling element in at least one of the two positions, the object support element could assume any intermediate position.

This advantage is particularly useful when after a fault, such as a power failure or an emergency stop a re-initialization of the transport device is required to resume operation. After a power failure, for example, all position data is lost. Therefore, it is necessary to redetermine the position of the individual object support members. However, since the object carrier elements are not firmly connected to the slide, but are movable relative to the slide, the determination of the rotational position of the slide for determining the position of the object-carrier elements is not sufficient. Although it would be possible to determine the position of the object carrier elements with respect to the stationary assembly or the workstations with suitable analog sensors, the integration of such a sensor system and the acquisition and evaluation of the data would be relatively expensive. By contrast, the positive coupling according to the invention by means of the coupling elements allows a relatively simple position determination of the object carrier elements.

A preferred embodiment of the device for determining the position of the object carrier elements has the individual object carrier elements associated with position sensors, which are arranged distributed circumferentially. The position sensors, which can be arranged below the object carrier elements on the stationary assembly, are designed such that they generate a position signal when an object carrier element is located on the object carrier in a position assigned to the respective sensor or an object carrier element not in a position assigned to the respective sensor.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the position sensors are inductive sensors, wherein on the object-carrier element a detectable by the inductive sensor marking element is arranged. The position sensors can also be optical sensors that can recognize a marking element on the shape and / or color, or can also be tactile sensors.

The device for determining the position of the object carrier elements has an evaluation unit, which is designed such that a data record describing the position of the object carrier elements is generated. Based on this data set, the control unit may initialize the system, for example, after a power failure when all position data has been lost.

When determining the position, it should be noted that the order of the object carrier elements is fixed. However, an object-carrier element is not in each circle segment, i. H. there may be a gap between successive object-carrier elements.

The evaluation of the position signals of the position sensors allows the determination of the position of the object-carrier elements, in particular the determination of the position of the gap between successive object-carrier elements. The signal evaluation proves to be particularly simple, since only two possible signal states are to be evaluated. However, the evaluation of the position signals does not yet indicate where the first object carrier element of the row of object carrier elements is located. Therefore, a further preferred embodiment provides an input unit for inputting the position of one of the object carrier elements, in particular the input of the position of the first object carrier element with respect to a stationary reference system. The input of another object-carrier element is also possible because the order of the object-carrier elements and the position of the gap is known, so that also from the position of another object-carrier element, the position of the first object-carrier element can be determined. For example, the position of the first object-carrier element with respect to one of the fixed workstations can be entered.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit of the device for determining the arrangement of the object carrier elements evaluates the position signal of the position sensors, wherein on the basis of the input position of one of the object carrier elements, the position of the object Carrier elements with respect to a stationary reference system descriptive record is generated. This record can then be used to initialize the system. In this context, a data record is understood as meaning all data or signals with which the arrangement or the position of the object carrier elements is described.

The device for determining the position of the object carrier elements is preferably connected via a data line to a control device for the drive unit of the slide, so that the control of the drive unit of the slide on the basis of the determined record can be done.

The production plant according to the invention for the production of products has one or more of the transport devices according to the invention. Along the path of movement of the transport device, a plurality of workstations can be arranged. Each workstation may be provided for performing a work process comprising at least one operation. The non-exhaustive list of possible examples of operations may include: manipulating, feeding, discharging, mechanical working, thermal working, filling, cleaning, plugging, loading, weighing, marking. The workstations can perform a work process on one or more objects simultaneously.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transport device according to the invention is used in a production plant for the production of containers filled with a medical product, in particular a drug, in particular for the production of medical solution bags, for example solution bags for peritoneal dialysis or acute hemodialysis or infusion technology. Such solution bags are produced by providing bag blanks with a connection piece, for example a so-called shuttle, and filling the bag provided with the connection piece with a solution. The production step of filling the bag with the solution represents the step with the longest process time. The process time of the filling is limited by the diameter of a filling nose used for filling and the internal pressure of the solution.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings.

• 1 eine stark vereinfachte schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Transporteinrichtung,
• 2 ein Blockschaltbild der Transporteinrichtung,
• 3 den ersten Arbeitsschritt des Herstellungsverfahrens in schematischer Draufsicht,
• 4 den zweiten Arbeitsschritt des Herstellungsverfahrens in schematischer Draufsicht,
• 5 den dritten Arbeitsschritt des Verfahrens in schematischer Draufsicht,
• 6 den vierten Arbeitsschritt des Verfahrens in schematischer Draufsicht,
• 7 den fünften Arbeitsschritt des Verfahrens in schematischer Draufsicht,
• 8 einen kleinen Arbeitstakt des sechsten Arbeitsschrittes des Verfahrens in schematischer Draufsicht,
• 9 einen großen Arbeitstakt des sechsten Arbeitsschrittes des Verfahrens in schematischer Draufsicht,
• 10 ein Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Transporteinrichtung in der Draufsicht,
• 11 eine Teilansicht der Transporteinrichtung von 10 in vergrößerter Darstellung,
• 12 eine Umschalteinrichtung eines Objekt-Trägerelements der Transporteinrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung,
• 13 eine Seitenansicht der Umschalteinrichtung eines Objekt-Trägerelements,

Show it:

• 1 a greatly simplified schematic representation of the transport device according to the invention,
• 2 a block diagram of the transport device,
• 3 the first step of the manufacturing process in a schematic plan view,
• 4 the second step of the manufacturing process in a schematic plan view,
• 5 the third step of the method in a schematic plan view,
• 6 the fourth step of the method in a schematic plan view,
• 7 the fifth step of the method in a schematic plan view,
• 8th a small power stroke of the sixth step of the method in a schematic plan view,
• 9 a large power stroke of the sixth step of the method in a schematic plan view,
• 10 an embodiment of the transport device according to the invention in plan view,
• 11 a partial view of the transport device of 10 in an enlarged view,
• 12 a switching device of an object carrier element of the transport device in a perspective view,
• 13 a side view of the switching device of an object-carrier element,

1 shows a schematic representation of the transport device according to the invention, which serves only to illustrate the principle of operation of the transport device. 2 shows a block diagram of the transport device.

The transport device 1 , which is designed as a rotary indexing table, has a stationary assembly 2 (Stator) holding a slide 3 picks up, which is about a vertical axis of rotation 4 from one in 1 not shown drive unit 5 ( 2 ) is rotatable. In 1 stands the axis of rotation of the slide 3 perpendicular to the picture plane. The drive unit 5 turn the slide 3 in successive work steps gradually by predetermined rotation angle.

The slide 3 is a plurality of object support elements 6 assigned. In the present embodiment, the slide is 3 four object carrier elements 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 assigned. The object support elements 6 each have a plurality of receiving elements 7 on. In the present embodiment, the object support elements 6 each five receiving elements 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 . 7.4 . 7.5 on. Each recording element can record an object. But it is also possible that every object-carrier element 6 has only one receiving element, wherein it is also possible that a receiving element 7 also receives several objects. The receiving elements may be, for example, trays, stands, brackets or the like.

The circumferentially distributed object carrier elements arranged 6 each describe the shape of a circle segment. The object support elements 6 are in a guide shown only schematically 9 on a circular trajectory 8th slidably guided. They could therefore move relative to the slide if they were not coupled to the slide or stationary assembly.

In the present embodiment, the individual object support elements 6 a circumferential angle of 360 ° / 5 = 72 °. Because only four object-carrier elements 6.1 , 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, remains a section of the circular path 8th free. This free space (gap) allows moving the object carrier elements 6 relative to the slide 3 without the object support elements colliding. The number of object carrier elements 6 and the circumferential angle of the object support members 6 are dependent on the arrangement and number of workstations.

The transport device 1 is part of a manufacturing facility that has a plurality of workstations surrounding the slide 3 the transport device 1 arranged distributed circumferentially. In 1 the workstations are not shown. In the present embodiment, four workstations are provided.

The object-carrier elements 6 is one in each case 1 Switching device not shown 10 associated with the object support member rotates. The switching devices 10 be with reference to the 12 and 13 still described in detail. In the present embodiment, four switching devices 10.1 . 10.2 . 10.3 . 10.4 intended ( 2 ).

The switching devices 10 are formed such that the individual object carrier elements 6 either to the rotating slide 3 or to the stationary assembly 2 can be coupled. The switching devices 10 only allow two switch positions. If an object-carrier element 6 to the stationary assembly 2 is coupled, the object-carrier element 6 from the slide 3 not taken, so that the object-carrier element 6 maintains its position. This is referred to as the first switching position. If an object-carrier element 6 on the other hand, to the slide 3 is coupled, the object-carrier element 6 from the slide 3 taken. This is referred to as the second switching position.

In addition, the transport facility has 1 via a control device 11 ( 2 ) for the drive unit 5 and the switching devices 10 , The control device 11 is configured such that the drive unit 5 and the switching devices 10 be controlled for the implementation of the individual steps.

The 3 to 9 show the individual steps of a process for the production of a product. In the present exemplary embodiment, the production method is a method for producing containers filled with a medical product, in particular bags filled with a medical solution, in particular foil bags for peritoneal dialysis. The 3 to 9 serve only to illustrate the basic principle of the method. Therefore, not all the process steps required to manufacture the products are shown.

The production plant includes at least one of the with reference to 1 described transport device 1 , 3 shows a schematic representation of only the four object-carrier elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 the transport device (rotary indexing table). In the present exemplary embodiment, the production facility has four workstations A, B, C, D, which are shown only in an outline fashion and which are distributed around the slide circumferentially 3 are arranged. The containers, in particular foil bags, are provided as blanks which are not provided with a connecting piece, in particular a welding boat and are not filled with the medical product, in particular a liquid, for example a solution for peritoneal dialysis. The work station A is a filling station with which the bags provided with the connection piece are filled. The filling of the bags is a working process with a long process time. The process time is significantly longer than the process time of the other workstations. The workstation B with a short process time is a workstation with which the bag blanks are fitted with the connecting pieces. The work station C is a work station for taking out the bag provided with the fitting and filled, and the work station D is a work station for laying the bag blanks. The workstations B, C, D have a process time that is shorter than the process time of the workstation A.

The drive unit 5 turn the slide 3 gradually in successive short or long clockwise strokes. In the present embodiment, the slide becomes 3 rotated clockwise by 14.4 ° in a short working cycle (360 ° / 5 ° 5 Support elements) / 5 ( 5 receiving elements 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 , 7.4, 7.5 per carrier element = 14.4 °). The switching devices 10 are in the 3 to 9 not shown.

The described method is characterized by a combination of individual clocks for the workstations B, C, D with a short process time and multiple clocks for the workstation A with a long process time. This requires the collection of the individual cycles before the workstation A with a long process time and the interception of the multiple cycle to the workstation A with a long process time required. The interception of the individual cycles and the multiple cycle takes place in waiting zones WZ in the direction of rotation (clockwise) in front of and behind the workstation A with a long process time. The individual steps are described below.

3 shows the first step (starting position). The four object-carrier elements 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 are arranged such that there is no object-carrier element in the waiting zone WZ in front of the workstation A with a long process time in the first step. The bag blanks are located in the receiving elements 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 . 7.4 , 7.5 of the third and fourth object support elements 6.3 . 6.4 , The waiting zone WZ in front of the workstation A with a long process time is empty and the waiting zone WZ behind the workstation A is full. The workstation A for the long process time filling process and the work stations B, C, D for the short work time work processes are in operation. The workstation B populates the in the fifth receiving element 7.5 the second object-carrier element 6.2 located filled bag with a connector, for example with a cap. The workstation C removes the in the second receiving element 7.2 the second object-carrier element 6.2 located provided with the connector and filled with the solution, finished bag and the workstation D populates the first receiving element 7.1 the first object-carrier element 6.1 with a bag blank.

4 shows the second step. The control device 11 controls the switching devices 10 such that the first, second and third object-carrier element 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 associated switching devices 10 , 1, 10. 2, 10.3 are switched to the second switching position, while the fourth object-carrier element 6.4 assigned switching device 10.4 is switched to the first switching position. As a result, the first, second, and third object support members become 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 upon rotation of the slide 3 taken clockwise and locked the fourth object-carrier element 6.4. After the slide 3 has rotated by a predetermined angle of rotation (360 ° / (5 x 5) = 14.4 °), the waiting zone WZ is easily equipped before the long process with a bag blank and the waiting zone WZ four times filled with filled bags after the long process. The workstation B populates the in the first receiving element 7 , 1 of the third object carrier element 6.3 located filled bag with a connector. The workstation C removes the in the third receiving element 7.3 the second object-carrier element 6.2 located provided with the connector and filled with the solution, finished bag and the workstation D populates the second receiving element 7.2 the first object-carrier element 6.1 with a bag blank.

In the third step ( 5 ), the control device controls the switching devices 10 again in such a way that the first, second and third object carrier element 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 taken along and the fourth object-carrier element 6.4 is held. The slide 3 rotates again by a predetermined angle of rotation ( 14 , 4 °). After the rotation of the slide 3 Before the long process, the waiting area WZ is equipped twice with bag blanks and the waiting area is filled with three filled bags after the long process. The workstation B now populates the second receiving element 7.2 the third object-carrier element 6.3 located filled bag with a connector. The workstation C removes the finished bag from the fourth receiving element 7.4 the second object-carrier element 6.2 and the workstation D populates the third receiving element 7.3 the first object-carrier element 6.1 with a bag blank.

In the fourth step ( 6 ) become again the first, second and third object-carrier element 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 taken along while the fourth object-carrier element 6.4 is held. After the rotation of the object carrier element by the predetermined angle of rotation ( 14 , 4 °), the waiting zone WZ is equipped in triplicate with bag blanks before the long process and the waiting zone WZ is filled twice with filled bags after the long process. The workstation B populates the in the third receiving element 7.3 the third object-carrier element 6.3 filled station bag with a connector, the workstation B takes the finished bag from the fifth

receiving element 7.5 the second object-carrier element 6.2 and the workstation D loads the fourth receiving element 7.4 the first object-carrier element 6.1 with a bag blank.

In the fifth step ( 7 ), the first, second and third object-carrier element 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 are taken, while the fourth object-carrier element 6.4 is held. After a rotation of the slide 3 by the given angle of rotation ( 14 , 4 °), the waiting zone WZ is equipped four times with bag blanks before the long process and the waiting zone WZ is simply filled with filled bags after the long process. The in the fourth receiving element 7.4 the third object-carrier element 6.3 filled bags is filled with the connector, which in the first receiving element 7.1 the third object-carrier element 6.3 located finished bag is removed and the fifth receiving element 7.5 of the first object-carrier element 6.1 is charged with a bag blank.

Now follows the sixth step, which has a small cycle ( 8th ) with a rotation of the slide through a rotation angle of 14.4 ° and a large clock ( 9 ) with a rotation of the slide 3 by a rotation angle of 72 ° (5 * 14.4 ° = 72 °). In the small clock become the first, second and third object-carrier element 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 taken along and the fourth object-carrier element 6.4 recorded. After the rotation of the slide by 14.4 ° (small clock), the waiting zone WZ is full before the long process and the waiting zone WZ is empty after the long process. The in the fifth receiving element 7.5 of the third object-carrier element 6.3 located filled bag is equipped with a connector, the finished bag is from the second receiving element 7.2 the third object-carrier element 6.1 taken and the first receiving element 7.1 the second object-carrier element 6.2 is charged with a bag blank.

In the large bar following the small beat ( 9 ) of the sixth step controls the control unit 11 the switching device 10 such that the first and fourth object-carrier element 6.1 . 6.4 taken along and the second and third object-carrier element 6.2 . 6.3 is held. The slide 3 turns at a high rate of 72 ° (5 * 14.4 ° = 72 °). After the rotation of the slide 3 is the waiting zone WZ empty before the long process and the waiting zone WZ is full after the long process, so that again the first step ( 3 ) can connect.

In the sixth step, the sum of the cycle time short cycle t _TK and the cycle time long cycle t _{TL is} less than the total process time short cycle t _GK (t _TK + t _TL <t _GK ).

The process described above corresponds to a 5-fold parallel connection of the longest process.

t_PK

Prozesszeit kurzer Prozess

t_PL

Prozesszeit langer Prozess

t_TK

Taktzeit kurzer Takt

t_TL

Taktzeit langer Takt

t_GK

Gesamtprozesszeit kurzer Takt

t_GL

Gesamtprozesszeit langer Takt

S

Skalierfaktor

WZ

Wartezone

A_OTE

Anzahl Objekt-Trägerelemente

A_WZ

Anzahl Wartezonen

LP

Prozess mit langer Prozesszeit

KP

Prozess mit kurzer Prozesszeit

When designing the production plant, the following laws arise:

t _PK

Process time short process

t _PL

Process time long process

t _TK

Cycle time short cycle

t _TL

Tact time long beat

t _GK

Total process time short cycle

t _GL

Total process time long cycle

S

scaling

WZ

waiting area

A _OTE

Number of object carrier elements

A _WZ

Number of waiting zones

LP

Process with a long process time

KP

Process with a short process time

Total process time short cycle: $${\text{t}}_{\text{GK}}={\text{t}}_{\text{PK}}+{\text{t}}_{\text{TK}}$$

Short and long clock must be within the cycle time of the short bar: $${\text{t}}_{\text{TK}}+{\text{t}}_{\text{TL}}<{\text{t}}_{\text{GK}}$$

Total process time long cycle: $${\text{t}}_{\text{GL}}={\text{t}}_{\text{PL}}+{\text{t}}_{\text{TLK}}$$

Calculation of the necessary multiplication of the longest process step: $${\text{t}}_{\text{GL}}/{\text{t}}_{\text{GK}}=\text{S}$$

Depending on the definition of which part of the plant should be the bottleneck of the entire system, S must be rounded up or down.

Number of coupled slides per circle segment: $$\text{S * Slides}=\text{Object-carrying member}$$

Number of object carrier elements per system: $${\text{A}}_{\text{OTE}}\ge 2\left(1\times \text{short process}\text{, 1}\times \text{long process}\right)$$

Number of tools per system:
A _wz ≥2 (per change from short process to long process tool necessary, per change from long process to short process tool necessary)

10 shows an embodiment of the transport device according to the invention 1 in the top view, while 11 a partial view of 10 in an enlarged view shows. The 12 and 13 show the switching device 10 in perspective and in side view. The individual components of the transport device 1 are in the 10 to 13 with the same reference numerals as in the 1 to 9 designated. The in the 10 to 13 shown transport device has the same structure as that with reference to the 1 to 9 described transport device. In the following, only the components of the transport device relevant to the invention will be described.

In 10 are the object support elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 to recognize that in a leadership 9 are guided. In the recording elements 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 . 7.4 . 7.5 the object support elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 each lie a bag 12 , Each object carrier element 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 is a switching device 10.1 . 10.2 . 10.3 . 10.4 assigned, which is attached to the object-carrier element.

The object support elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 could, if not to the stationary assembly 2 or the slide 3 coupled in the leadership 9 on a circular path 8th move freely. The object support elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 and the slide 3 can consist of several parts. What matters is that the slide 3 opposite the stationary assembly rotates and the object-carrier elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 relative to the stationary assembly 2 or the slide 3 could move freely if they not by the switching device 10.1 , 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 to the stationary assembly 2 or the slide 3 would be coupled. The object support elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 can the slide 3 enclose circumferentially.

The object support elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 form a series, where in the in 10 shown position between the first and the fourth object-carrier element 6.1 . 6.4 a gap 13 is. The object support elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 may occupy five different positions in the present embodiment.

The switching device 10 has a coupling element consisting of several parts 14 on, the guide elements 15 is guided longitudinally displaceable. The guide elements 15 can be carriages. Such linear guides are state of the art. The coupling element 14 has a first engagement element 14A and a second engagement element 14B on, which are arranged on a common longitudinal axis at a distance from each other. The engaging elements 14A . 14B can have a circular cross-section. They can be bearings with an inner and outer ring, such as bearings.

To move the coupling element 14 on a longitudinal axis is an actuator 16 provided, which is a double-acting piston / cylinder assembly in the present embodiment. Pressurization of the one piston surface causes movement in one direction and pressurization of the other piston surface to move in the other direction. The fluid medium is the piston / cylinder assembly at the terminals 16A . 16B supplied via supply lines, not shown.

The first engagement element 14A is a number of recesses corresponding to the number of positions 17 assigned to the stationary assembly 2 are arranged distributed circumferentially at equal intervals. These recesses 17 have radially inwardly facing openings to the axis of rotation 17A on. The second engagement element 14B is also a number of the recesses corresponding to the number of positions 18 assigned to the slide 3 are arranged distributed circumferentially at equal intervals. These recesses 18 have radially outwardly facing openings 18A on. In the present embodiment, each five recesses 17 respectively. 18 intended.

The 10 and 11 show an example of the five positions a recess 17 on a part of the slide 3 and a recess 18 on a part of the stationary assembly 2 , The recesses 17 . 18 can be designed differently. For example, they can be pockets bounded by side walls. The pockets need not be closed at the top and bottom.

In the first switching position, the first engagement element engages 14A in a recess 17 the stationary module 2 while in the second switching position, the second engagement element 14B in a recess 18 of the object carrier 3 attacks. The distance between the engagement elements 14A . 14B is sized so that only one of the two engagement elements with one of the recesses 17 . 18 is engaged. Consequently, the subject object carrier becomes 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 either from the slide 3 taken along or is attached to the stationary assembly 2 locked. The coupling can be done only in one of the five positions, which is determined by the arrangement of the recesses. Consequently, the positions are also defined in which the object-carrier elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 in relation to the slide 3 can be located. Undefined intermediate positions can not occupy the object carrier elements.

The control device 11 controls the piston / cylinder arrangements of the switching devices 10 such that the object support elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 to move the individual process steps into the individual positions ( 3 to 9 ).

The transport device 1 also has a facility 19 for determining the position of the object carrier elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 . 6.4 , Due to the forced coupling of the object carrier elements 6.1 . 6.2 . 6.3 either to the stationary assembly 2 or the slide 3 can the decor 19 to determine the position of the object-carrier elements have a particularly simple structure. The position determination can be made on the basis of the evaluation of only two states.

The device 19 for determining the position of the object carrier elements 6 indicates a number of positions corresponding number of position sensors 20 . 20.1 . 20.2 , 20.3, 20.4, 20.5, which are below the object support elements 6 on the stationary module 2 are arranged distributed circumferentially at equal intervals. The 11 and 12 show an example of the five positions a sensor 20 , At the object support elements 6 is each a marking element 21 arranged. In 10 is the position of the marker 21 an object-carrier element 6 only hinted at.

The position sensors 20 are via signal lines 22 with an evaluation unit 23 the device 19 connected to determine the position of the object-carrier elements. The position sensors 20 can be inductive sensors and the marking elements 21 may be metal bodies that are detected by the position sensors. If the position sensors detect a marking element, they generate a position signal that the evaluation unit 23 over the signal line 22 receives.

In addition, the facility points 19 for determining the position of the object carrier elements, an input unit 24 on, for example, via a keyboard 24A can dispose of. With the input unit 24 the operator can change the position of the first object-carrier element 6.1 with respect to a workstation A, B, C, D ( 3 to 9 ) enter.

The rotational position of the slide 3 is with a rotary encoder 25 detected, via a signal line 26 with the evaluation unit 23 connected is. The rotary encoder 25 generated as a function of the rotational position of the slide 3 a rotary position signal that the evaluation unit 23 receives.

For example, after a power failure, the system must be re-initialized because all location information is lost. This is what the facility represents 19 for determining the position of the object carrier elements 6 the control unit 11 a record available to the control unit 11 via a data line 27 receives. Based on this record, the control unit can 11 initialize the system.

The order of the object carrier elements 6 can not change. In that sense, the system is determined. But it is not known where the first object-carrier element 6.1 located and where the gap 13 lies between the object-carrier elements. When the position of the first object-carrier element 6.1 is known and the location of the gap 13 is known, the system for the initialization is completely determined.

The position detection requires that the position sensors 20 with the marking elements 21 can be brought to cover, ie the marking elements 21 above the sensors 20 are located. But this is only possible if the object-carrier elements 6 in a defined position, which can also be switched over. This is the case when the object-carrier elements 6 to the slide 3 are coupled. Therefore, a basic position is carried out first, in which all switching devices 10 are switched to the second switching position, so that all object-carrier elements 6 to the slide 3 be coupled. For this purpose, the slide 3 rotated by predetermined angle until the engaging elements 14A in the corresponding recesses 17 can grab, with the rotary encoder 25 detects the respective rotational position, for example 72 °.

The evaluation unit 23 is configured such that from the position signals of the position sensors 20 the position can be determined, at which an object-carrier element 6 not located, ie where a gap 13 is. For example, the first position sensor provides 20.1 the binary signal 1 when it detects an object-carrier element, the second position sensor 20.2 the binary signal 1 , the third position sensor 20.3 the binary signal 1 , the fourth position sensor 20.4 the binary signal 1 and the fifth position sensor 20.5 the binary signal 0 because an object-carrier element is not recognized. The evaluation unit 23 receives the signal sequence "1, 1, 1, 1, 0". Based on this signal sequence, the evaluation unit recognizes 23 in that the gap "0" between the first and fourth object-carrier element 6.1 . 6.2 located. In the case of a signal sequence "1, 1, 1, 0, 1", for example, the gap "0" lies between that between the third and fourth object carrier element 6.3 . 6.4 ,

From the input unit 24 receives the evaluation unit 23 the position of the first object-carrier element 6.1 positional data describing a workstation. The evaluation unit 23 evaluates the position signals of the position sensors 20 and the position data of the input unit 24 and generates a record describing the position of the object bearer elements which completely determines the system for initialization.

Claims (15)

Transport device for transporting objects from workstation to workstation of a production facility with a fixed assembly (2), one around an axis of rotation in successive work cycles rotatable slide (3), a plurality of circumferentially distributed relative to the slide (3) on a circular path (8) movable object carrier elements (6) for storing one or more objects and a drive unit (5) for driving the slide (3 ), characterized in that the object-carrier elements (6) coupling elements (14) are assigned, which can occupy only a first switching position or a second switching position, and the Koppelementen (14) actuators (16) are assigned, which are designed in that the coupling elements are moved into the first or second switching position, wherein in the first switching position the coupling element (14) is in engagement with the stationary assembly (2) and is disengaged from the rotatable slide (3), so that the coupling element (14) associated object carrier element (6) at a workstation (A, B, C, D) remains, and in the second switching position, the coupling element (14) with the or tsfesten assembly (2) is disengaged and with the rotatable slide (3) is engaged, so that the coupling element (14) associated object-carrier element (6) from workstation to workstation (A, B, C, D) is moved , Transport device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that on the stationary assembly (2) a predetermined number of circumferentially distributed recesses (17) are provided and on the rotatable slide (3) a predetermined number of circumferentially distributed recesses (19) are provided, wherein the number the recesses (18) of the fixed assembly corresponds to the number of recesses (19) of the slide (3), and the coupling element (14) has a first engagement element (14A) which in the first switching position engages in one of the recesses (17) of the stationary one Assembly (2) engages, and the coupling element (14) has a second engagement element (14B) which engages in the second switching position in one of the recesses (18) of the slide (3), wherein the first and second engagement element (14A, 14B) are firmly connected. Transport device according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the recesses (17) of the stationary assembly (2) radially inwardly facing openings (17A) and the recesses (18) of the slide (3) radially outwardly facing openings (18A), wherein the first and second Engagement element (14A, 14B) are guided displaceably in a radial direction such that in the first switching position, the first engagement element (14A) in one of the recesses (17) of the stationary assembly (2) and in the second switching position, the second engagement element (14B) in one of the recesses (18) of the slide (3) engages. Transport device according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the coupling elements (14) on guide elements (15) are guided longitudinally displaceable, wherein the actuators (16) for moving the coupling elements piston / cylinder arrangements are acted upon by a pressure fluid medium, so that the coupling elements (14) between the first and second switching position are movable. Transport device according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the piston / cylinder assemblies are double-acting piston / cylinder assemblies with two opposite piston surfaces, which are acted upon by a pressure medium medium. Transport device according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that on one section of the circular path (8), an object-carrier element (6) is not arranged and on the other portions of the circular path (8) in each case an object-carrier element (6) is arranged. Transport device according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that a device (19) for determining the position of the object carrier elements (6) is provided, which has the individual object-carrier elements associated position sensors (20) which are arranged distributed circumferentially, wherein the sensors (20) in such a way in that the sensors generate a position signal when an object carrier element (6) is located in a position assigned to the respective sensor (20) or an object carrier element (6) is not in a position assigned to the respective sensor (20) located. Transport device according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the position sensors (20) are inductive sensors, wherein on the object-carrier elements (6) detectable by the inductive sensors marking elements are provided. Transport device according to Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the means (19) for determining the position of the object carrier elements (6) comprises an input unit (24) for inputting the position one of the object support elements (6) of the series of object support elements (6) with respect to a fixed reference system. Transport device according to one of Claims 7 to 9 , characterized in that the device (19) for determining the arrangement of the object carrier elements (6) has an evaluation unit (23) evaluating the position signal of the position sensors (20), which is designed such that, on the basis of the data with the input unit ( 24) of an object carrier element (6) with respect to the stationary reference system, a position describing the position of the object carrier elements (6) relative to the stationary reference system is generated. Transport device according to one of Claims 7 to 10 , characterized in that the means (19) for determining the arrangement of the object carrier elements (6) comprises a rotary encoder (25) which generates a rotational position signal in dependence on the rotational position of the slide (3). Transport device according to one of Claims 7 to 11 , characterized in that the transport device has a control device (11) for the drive unit (5) of the slide (3), which via a data line (27) connected to the device (19) for determining the position of the object-carrier elements (6) is. Transport device according to one of Claims 1 to 12 , characterized in that a guide track (9) is provided, in which the object-carrier elements (6) are guided. Transport device according to one of Claims 1 to 13 , characterized in that the object carrier elements (6) have a plurality of receiving elements (7) which are each designed to receive an object. Production plant for the production of products with a transport device for transporting objects according to one of Claims 1 to 14 characterized in that a plurality of work stations (A, B, C, D) arranged circumferentially around the slide (3) are provided, each work station being adapted to carry out a work process comprising at least one operation on at least one product which is on an object Carrier element (6) is arranged is formed.

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